Chapter 40: Chapter 040 This Time the Gift is Somewhat Generous
“I went abroad to study at JZ University right after graduating from high school,” Chu Mufan remarked casually.
Xue Mengqian clearly hadn’t expected it. Just a moment ago, she had been actively guarding against Qi Yue and warning her covertly and overtly, afraid that she might fancy her boyfriend. But the next second, she found that Qi Yue was casually shopping with her suitor…
Not only did the suitor have strikingly good looks, but he also attended A University…
Hence, upon hearing Chu Mufan’s words, Xue Mengqian immediately said, “JZ University is really tough to get into. Back in the day, Mufan even got a full scholarship! I went to JZ University with Mufan to visit, and the academic atmosphere there is truly fantastic. You probably wouldn’t know if you haven’t been…”
Though JZ University isn’t an old prestigious institution, it has definitely made it into the ranks of the new Ivy League, ranking as a very respectable world-class university.
“Oh, that’s pretty impressive…” Qi Yue leaned on her palm and responded nonchalantly.
After being exposed to so many impressive resumes, she had almost become numb, so it seemed like it really wasn’t anything special.
Gu Huai seemed not to notice the boasting in their tones and said lightly, “On the contrary, I returned to the country three years ago.”
“Gu Huai… returned three years ago…”
Xue Mengqian muttered Gu Huai’s name, feeling that it sounded a bit familiar.
Glancing again at Gu Huai’s face, the more she looked, the more she felt something was off…
Finally, it seemed as though Xue Mengqian suddenly remembered, exclaiming, “Ah! Wait, you… your English name wouldn’t happen to be Hugh, would it?”
Gu Huai gave Xue Mengqian a look, not denying, but simply stated, “Does Miss Xue know me?”
Upon hearing Gu Huai’s question, Xue Mengqian’s complexion almost turned unsightly in an instant, as though she couldn’t believe it. After quite a long while, she managed to speak, “Really, you’re… you’re Hugh? That legendary prodigy? The youngest Chinese doctoral student in the HF University circle, the professor there personally wanted you to stay, but you insisted on returning to the country and went to A University to continue your studies for a Ph.D…”
If JZ is an up-and-coming institution, then HF is undoubtedly an old and top-tier one. The two cannot be mentioned in the same breath.
Chu Mufan also remembered who Gu Huai was.
They might not be clear about the name Gu Huai while overseas, but the name “Hugh” is practically known to all in the circles of Chinese international students…
Chu Mufan’s expression became somewhat stiff.
Just earlier, he had been boasting in front of Gu Huai about JZ University, only to find that Gu Huai was from HF…
Xue Mengqian’s expression was also slightly awkward.
As for Qi Yue: “…”
Okay! Had she learned too little from Song Qiuqiu?
The Big Shot had even earned dual doctorates…
How impressive is that?
No wonder Qiuqiu said, at first, many people liked him just for his good looks, but upon closer discovery, it turned out that looks were actually the least noticeable of his many strengths.
“Um, I really didn’t expect you to be the legendary Hugh!”
Xue Mengqian looked at Gu Huai and then at Qi Yue, as if skeptical, and said, “A genius in academics! You’re really pursuing Miss Qi…”
Qi Yue: “…”
She was certain now, this girl must really live by the sea…
Gu Huai chuckled softly, glanced at Qi Yue, and said, “Why? Is it not obvious enough that I’m pursuing her?”
Xue Mengqian glanced at the sugar figurine in Qi Yue’s hand, “No, no… what I mean is, you’re so outstanding, I think Miss Qi must also like you! But, you know, girls tend to be more reserved, maybe she’s too shy to say it…”
Qi Yue’s eyebrows raised slightly; her words seemed to suggest that she was deliberately leading Gu Huai on.
“Then I’ll take your words as a good omen,” Gu Huai said after looking at Qi Yue, and continued, “But even if she doesn’t like me, it’s fine. At the very worst, I will just try a bit harder.”
Qi Yue, who hadn’t been able to get a word in edgewise from the beginning: “…”
Your counter-gift, Big Shot…
Seems a bit heavy-handed…
Xue Mengqian, seeing her words rebuffed by Gu Huai, gave a dry laugh and, clinging to Chu Mufan’s arm, said, “I really didn’t expect Mr. Gu to be so studious! However, Mufan probably doesn’t have that much time for studying since he has too much to learn usually, and now he’s busy with internships and work experience, preparing to take over his dad’s company…”
Her words seemed to imply that if Chu Mufan had the time to study, he would surely reach the same heights…
Moreover, regarding Gu Huai, she bluntly brought up her own father’s influence…